ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Automated Train Toilet Sewerage Disposal System - A Cost-effective Alternative To Bio-toilets
An automated technology for collection of toilet waste which is easy to maintain and seven times cheaper alternative to the bio-toilets, developed by an Indian scientist, can be used to maintain the toilet system of the Indian Railways.
Existing Bio toilets use anaerobic bacteria for converting human waste to gas, but that bacteria can’t decompose plastic and cloth materials dumped into toilets by passengers. Hence maintenance and removing of such non decomposed materials inside the tank is difficult.
The technology developed by Dr. R.V. Krishnaiah from Chebrolu Engineering Collegeisan automated system for collection of toilet waste from running trains and segregation of different materials and processing into usable things.
The technology developed with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies programme of the Department of Science & Technology , aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative has been granted five National patents and is in the testing phase.
The automated system consists of three simple steps--the septic tank  top cover gets opened when train approaches to the septic tank place by using Radio Frequency Identification  sensor and reader placed at Engine and septic tank position respectively, sewerage material in toilet tanks is dropped into the septic tank when they are mutually synchronized, and finally the septic tank cover gets closed when train departs away from it.
The collected sewerage material from train toilets is segregated such that human waste is stored in one tank, and other materials such as plastic materials, cloth materials, and so on are stored in another tank. The human waste is further processed separately to convert into usable material. The plastic and cloth materials are processed separately.
This technology has been developed targeting the Indian Railways specifically with the aim of cost reduction and to obviate the necessity of time-consuming anaerobic bacteria generation. In contrast with Bio toilets which cost one lakh per unit, the new technology brings down the cost to Fifteen thousand rupees only. Dr. R.V. Krishnaiah has tied up with MTE Industries for further upscale of this technology.
For more details, Dr. R.V.Krishnaiah can be contacted.
Figure: The Front View of the System
SS/RKP
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Ministry of Coal
India to stop import of thermal coal from Financial Year 2023-24 - Pralhad Joshi
India will stop importing thermal coal from Financial Year 2023-24, said Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi while chairing “Chintan Shivir” - a two day brainstorming session. The session was organized to find a way forward for the coal sector - at Kevadia in Gujarat on 17th and 18th February 2020.
“The Shivir has engaged the participants in contemplating and deliberating to think out of the box to overcome various bottlenecks and provide innovative solutions to the Indian coal sector” Shri Pralhad Joshi said while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Shivir.
Highlighting key takeaways of the Shivir, Union Coal and Mines Minister said that various ways and means were discussed with key stakeholders to achieve 1 billion tonnes  coal production target by Coal India Limited  by Financial Year 2023-24. The Ministry of Coal will coordinate with Indian Railways and Shipping Ministry and enable CIL, Captive and Commercial Miners evacuate more coal by 2030.
Stressing upon the diversification in the Indian Coal sector, the Minister said that ideas have also been mooted that CIL could think of coming up with the state of the art pithead thermal power plants to transform it into an integrated energy company. It was also proposed that CIL could generate 5 GW of solar power by FY 2023-24 and could diversify into coal gasification with a target of 50 Million Tonnes by 2030 enabling a sustainable energy mix for the country. All these ideas will be deliberated, studied and examined for their feasibility in detail and based on that, they could be implemented.
The Minister further stressed upon the safety of workers in the Coal mining sector and has urged coal companies to achieve zero mortality rate by FY 2023-24.
He also announced that the Ministry of Coal will introduce a “Coal Minister's Award” soon to recognize and appreciate best practices in coal production, productivity, safety, sustainability etc. by the coal companies.
The Minister further stated that drilling agencies like Central Mine Planning and Design Institute and Geological Survey of India  should benchmark their operations to global standards by digitizing their databases. He added that it will enable better utilization in years to come.
During the two day Shivir, strategies were evolved for sustainable mining, environmental conservation, use of clean coal technologies and for extending helping hand to all stakeholders in and around coal mining areas to coexist in a mutually sustainable manner.
PIB Headquarters
HUDCO organises International Training Programme under MEA, ITEC and SCAAP.
Dr M. Ravi Kanth, CMD, HUDCO welcomed twenty two international delegates from twelve countries to HUDCO’s HSMI for a six week training programme under the Ministry of External Affairs , Indian Technical, Economic Cooperation  and Special Commonwealth Assistance for Africa Programme  scheduled from 30.10.2017 to 08.12.2017. The theme of the training programme is ‘Formal Solutions to Informal Settlements’. The participants were from Chile, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.
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Special Service and Features
Pondicherry University appeared in the top 1000 Universities in the World
The QS World University Rankings is one of the top world rankings and Pondicherry University is happy to inform to its stake holders that it appeared in the top 1000 Universities in the World with its rank between 801 to 1000 category in the recently released prestigious QS World University Rankings 2022. It is a proud moment for the Pondicherry University as it appears in the top 20 among the Indian Universities / Institutions in the rank list from India. The inclusion of Pondicherry University in the QS World University Rankings is a significant achievement, as the Pondicherry University secured a good position from among the participating Indian and Asian universities. Only 22 Universities and Institutions are able to make an entry into the QS World University Rankings 2022. The University scored very well with regard to performance indicators like research impact and teaching commitment besides scoring a good ratio with regard to citation per paper and papers per faculty.
The QS World University Rankings capture the overall performance of the university with six rigorous performance indicators examining each university’s strengths against all of its core missions – like academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty student ratio, citations per paper, international faculty ratio and international students ratio.
Earlier the University has ranked in the QS Asia Rankings between 301-350 successfully for the last four years rankings and 211-220 category among the BRICS Universities. The QS World University Ranking introduced its ranking since 2014 and Pondicherry University has been participating in the QS World University Ranking since 2018.
Pondicherry University is also participating in other prestigious world rankings like, THE  World University Ranking, ACU  Ranking and National Rankings such as NIRF , Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements  and other industry sponsored rankings, besides various other rankings like Outlook-ICARE India University Rankings. Pondicherry University aims to achieve higher position at the world University level by participating in various ranking framework.
This has been achieved by the University due to the constant academic and administrative support and encouragement given by the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Gurmeet Singh to the faculty, officers, staff, research scholars and students community to perform their best and bring better academic and administrative results to place the University among one of the top most Universities in India.
This is stated in a press release issued by Shri K. Mahesh, Assistant Registrar, Public Relations Wing, Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
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Special Service and Features
NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION -A BOON FOR SMALL FARMERS
Rs 172.76 crore allotted for Tamil Nadu under National Horticulture Mission
World Food day was celebrated on October 16 to create awareness about the importance of food grain production. Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi said that our farmers through their hardwork, feed the nation with nutrient rich food grains. Farmers, Scientists and Anganwadi workers are the basis of movement to remove malnutrition . He said that crops with high nutrients like protein iron zinc are being promoted as part of nutri garden promotion campaign in every household.. He pointed out while the world is struggling due to Covid 19, Indian farmers have broken last year’s record of food grain production even during pandemic times.
Mission for Integrated development of Horticulture is a central scheme for growth of the horticulture sector including fruits vegetables, tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, coconut, cashew,cocoa and bamboo. Under the scheme central government gives 60 per cent of total outlay for developmental programmes involving horticulture. Through National horticulture Board and agencies like Coconut development board, Union government contributes 100 per cent of the outlay.
For Tamil Nadu Rs 172.76 crore has been allocated to implement National Horticuture Mission for this fiscal. Farmers in Tamil Nadu are being given full support by government for implementing various agriculture schemes including micro irrigation. In Ariyalur district, Arungal village Shri Selvam, farmer is utilising Micro irrigation with Rs 95498 government subsidy for horticulture flower plants in one acre. He also cultivates chillies in 50 cents of agriculture land. Shri Poomalai is utilising micro irrigation with Rs 1.12 lakh subsidy from government for tomato and maize crops. Ariyalur collector Smt D Rathna interacted with farmers in KallakudiKatturvillage where agriculture net shade at 50 per cent subsidy at the cost of Rs 3.50 lakh was made for tomato crops.
In Ariyalur, for this year Micro irrigation scheme is being targeted to be implemented for Rs 54 crore in 7200 hectare land. Till now the scheme has been implemented in 2000 hectare land at a cost of Rs 9 crore. Under National horticulture mission, Rs 22.2 lakh has been allocated to give incentives to farmers for Rs 2500 per hectare horticulture crops. Under this scheme brinjal, drumstick, ladies finger, chillies, bitter gourd, snake gourd, pumpkin crops are being cultivated in this scheme in Ariyalur.
Protected cultivation of vegetables is encouraged under National Horticulture Mission with clusters developed near cities. These clusters will be provided with infrastructural facilities like cold storage, reefer vans, vending carts and marketing arrangements. Covid 19 pandemic lockdown has reiterated the importance of agriculture to attain the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat by achieving self-sufficiency in food grain and vegetable production. Government is implementing various schemes for the benefit of farmers who indeed toil hard to ensure food security of the nation.
Ministry of Education
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched ‘Padhe Bharat’, a 100 days reading campaign, calls on “young friends” to share their reading list.
Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched a 100 days reading campaign 'Padhe Bharat' today. The launch of 100 Days Reading Campaign is in alignment with the National Education Policy  2020 which emphasises on promotion of joyful reading culture for children by ensuring availability of age appropriate reading books for children in local/mother tongue/regional/tribal Language.
The Minister while launching the campaignhas underlined importance of reading that children needs todevelop to ensure continuous and lifelong learning. He also reinforced that the habit of reading, if inculcated at an early age, helps in brain development and enhances imagination and provide a conducive learning environment for children.
Shri Pradhan emphasised that reading is the foundation of learning, which motivates students to read books independently, develops creativity, critical thinking, vocabulary and the ability to express both verbally and in writing. It helps children to relate to their surroundings and real life situation, he added. He stressed on the need to create an enabling environment in which students read for pleasure and develop their skills through a process that is enjoyable and sustainable and which remains with them for life.
Shri Pradhan shared the names of the 5 books that I have picked to begin reading. He encouraged everyone to adopt the habit of reading books and urged all to share what they are reading along with suggestions.
Padhe Bharat campaign will focus on children studying in Balvatika to Grade 8.The reading campaign will be organised for 100 days  starting from 1st January 2022 to 10th April 2022.The reading campaign aims to have participation of all stakeholders at national and state level including children, teachers, parents, community, educational administrators etc. One activity per week per group has been designed with the focus on making reading enjoyable and build lifelong association with the joy of reading. This campaign has also been aligned with the vision and goals of foundational Literacy and Numeracy mission.
The 100 days reading campaign will also focus on Indian languages including mother tongue/local/regional languages. It is in this regard, 21st February which is celebrated as International Mother Tongue Day, has also been integrated with this campaign. This day will be celebrated with the activity of KahaniPadhoApniBhasa Main  across the country by encouraging children to read in their mother tongue/local language. This will help in promoting local language and culture of our society.
Hence, 100 days Reading Campaignis envisaged to support and encourage students, along with their schools, teachers, parents, and communities,in every possible way and encourage children to read for joyful learning experience. Department of School Education & Literacyinvites all stakeholders to participate wholeheartedly in this campaign to build strong foundation for our children.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Updates on COVID-19
Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, Government of India is taking several steps along with the States/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan today visited Lady Hardinge Medical College to review status of COVID-19 management. During the visit the Union Minister visited the Director’s office, emergency, OPD, sampling center, COVID block- critical areas on ground and first floor, Red zone area and changing facility for doctors & health workers.
Dr Harsh Vardhan was satisfied to notice that the doctors and health staff manning the facility were provided special bathing, changing and spray facility for disinfecting themselves at Oncology building, the specialized COVID-19 facility. He lauded the hospital administration’s efforts of regularly talking to its front line health personnel twice a day to deal with the situation effectively.
Dr Harsh Vardhan urged the people of India to observe the extended period of lockdown 3.0  in letter and spirit and treat it as an effective intervention to cut down the chain of transmission of COVID-19. He urged the countrymen not to ostracize the doctors treating COVID-19 patients and to not stigmatize the patients who have won the battle against COVID-19.
So far, a total of 10,632 people have been cured. In the last 24 hours, 682 patients were found cured. This takes our total recovery rate to 26.59%. The total number of confirmed cases is now 39,980. Since yesterday, an increase of 2644 has been noted in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in India.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA .
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no. : +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary lays keel of four Fast Patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard at Goa Shipyard Limited
Urges GSL to be more efficient in the current competitive market to retain its edge
Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane laid the keel of four Coast Guard Fast Patrol vessels  on 25th August, 2023 at Goa Shipyard Limited . Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Secretary applauded the efforts of Goa Shipyard in achieving this milestone, especially the scale of indigenization in collaboration with the Indian industry. He emphasized on the importance to nurture and develop the shipbuilding industry of the country which has had a rich legacy. While highlighting the major achievements of the Goa Shipyard, he emphasized that the industry is increasingly becoming competitive and urged the GSL to gear up in terms of efficiency and competitiveness in order to retain the cutting edge.
The FPV designed by GSL is a medium range weapon fitted surface vessel with length of 51.43 mtrs, and breadth 8 mtrs.The ship is propelled with twin engine and has maximum speed of 27 Knots. Displacement of the vessel is approx. 320 Tons, and it is capable of operating in rough sea conditions.
These vessels for the Indian Coast Guard are based on in-house design of GSL and will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerized controls systems, making these the state of the art Fast Patrol Vessels of the Indian Coast Guard.
DGCG Rakesh Pal congratulated the Chairman and Managing Director, officers and workers of Goa Shipyard Limited for their dedicated efforts. DGCG said GSL will continue to strive for perfection and achieve higher goals in the years ahead.
Defence Secreatry also inaugurated GSL Integrated Stores Complex. Director General, Indian Coast Guard, Shri Prakash Pal, Chairman and Managing Director, GSL, Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, and other officials of ICG were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry Issues Vesting Order for Six Coal Mines under Commercial Mining
Total Geological Reserve Comes to 2302 Million Ton
The Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal issued vesting order for six coal mines i.e. Barra, Maiki North, Alaknanda, Basantpur, Bandha North and Kasta East for which the Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements  were signed on October 17, 2022. Successful bidders received vesting orders from the Coal Secretary, Shri Amrit Lal Meena here today.
Of the six coal mines, one mine is under Coal Mines  Act, 2015 and five mines are under Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957. One coal mine is fully explored and the remaining mines are partially explored ones. The PRC of fully explored mine is 1.89 million ton per annum . Total Geological Reserve of six coal mines is 2302 MT. These mines are expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs. 130.08 crores calculated on the basis of PRC and will attract capital investment of Rs. 283.50 crores. It will provide employment to 2,555 people both directly and indirectly.
With the vesting/ allocation of these six coal mines, a total of 45 vesting/ allocation orders have been issued till date with cumulative PRC of 85 MTPA.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Sasikiran, Erigaisi help India A bounce back to beat Brazil in the ninth round match of open section at 44th Chess Olympiad
Riding on Krishnan Sasikiran and Arjun Erigaisi’s victories, India A got back their rhythm to trounce Brazil by 3-1 in the ninth-round match of open section at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
India Open Team A's Krishnan Sasikiran during Round 9 of the 44th Chess Olympiad on Sunday in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. 
Coming into the match after a loss to Armenia on Saturday, India A started off the game on a winning note when Sasikiran raked in the first point against Andre Diamant in a Nimzo Indian game. Things appeared to move sedately when a couple of consecutive wrong moves by the bishops on the 42nd and 43rd turn allowed Saikiran to gain advantage and convert it to victory on the 49th turn.
India Open Team A's GM Pentala Harikrishna in action during Round 6 of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu 
Erigaisi, on the other hand, went the English way against Sevag Krikor Mekhitarian. After the opponent castled late on the 25th turn, Erigaisi won an exchange and needed 63 moves to force victory. The other two players, Pentala Harikrishna and Vidit Gujrathi were held to draws in their respective games.
Sasikiran shrugged off on Sunday, debacle against Armenia, saying: “Sometimes these things happen but we always try to overcome such difficulties as a team by going for a long walk. I am happy that the team is cohesive, we always eat together and discuss a lot of things together.”
India Open Team B's Gukesh D during Round 9 of the 44th Chess Olympiad on Sunday in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. 
Member of India's Open Team B Praggnanandhaa R during Round 9 of the 44th Chess Olympiad on Sunday in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. 
India C also emerged victorious as they thrashed Paraguay by 3-1. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa defeated Vasif Durarbayli as India B held sixth-seeded Azerbaijan to a 2-2 draw. D Gukesh’s winning run came to an end after he conceded his first draw of the event against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in a well fought game. Nihal Sarin was also held to a draw by Rauf Mamedov while Raunak Sadhwani ended on the losing side against Nijat Abasov.
In another open section match, USA shrugged off Saturday’s loss against India by registering a 2.5-1.5 win against Greece. Currently, Uzbekistan are sole leaders in the open section with 16 points followed by India B and Armenia with 15 points each.
In the women’s section, India B and India C defeated Switzerland and Estonia by 4-0 and 3-1 respectively while India A suffered a 1.5-2.5 loss to fourth seed Poland.
In one of the crucial games, second seed Ukraine was held to a 2-2 draw by Georgia and thus, India A continued to be at the top position in the women’s section but are now joined by Georgia, Poland and Kazakhstan, all having scored 15 points each.
Kazakhstan outperformed Bulgaria 3-1.